Tax Prof Susan Kalinka, the Harriet S. Daggett-Frances Leggio Landry Professor of Law at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, died this morning. She was 60 years old. From LSU Chancellor Jack M. Weiss:

Professor Kalinka was an exceptional teacher and scholar of tax law. She inspired dozens of students to seek specialized degrees in tax law and to pursue careers in that field. She was passionate about her work and about her students. She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly.

I am saddened to report that Professor Susan Kalinka passed early this morning after a sudden illness. Susan joined the LSU faculty in 1988 and, for 20 years, has only ever had one passion – students. Some people have a personality that others want to follow but Susan had much more than that, building a tax program in which over 90% of our students enroll in at least one tax class despite its absence from the Louisiana Bar Exam. She not only encouraged tax students to apply for LL.M. programs, but she funded their application fees, sending over 35 students to tax LL.M. programs in the last five years. Without fanfare, she devoted countless hours to the Baton Rouge community with her VITA program.

Her gift was inspiring students and, we are enormously thankful for everything that she did and everything that she represents. As a colleague for nine years, I gained a mentor – and a friend, one who created a fantastic place to be a tax professor. Two decades of students had the benefit of the kindness and dedication of Professor Mom and, while we are very sorry to see her pass so early in life, we celebrate her life as a colleague, teacher, mentor, and, most importantly, a wonderful person.

Professor Kalinka had been diagnosed recently with cancer. She had been undergoing treatment for only a few weeks, and her condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend.

Family members have asked that colleagues, students, alumni, and friends send written comments regarding Professor Kalinka and her teaching career at LSU. Comments, photos, and personal remembrances may be sent to KalinkaCondolences@law.lsu.edu.